ICC prosecutor slams 'Israel's lack of effort to probe Gaza war crimes
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Karim Khan has launched a scathing critique of "Israel", accusing the entity of a blatant failure to investigate war crimes in Gaza.
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International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan speaks during a press conference in Colombia, on April 25, 2024. (AFP)
International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan defended his decision to accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of war crimes, stating that "Israel" had made "no real effort" to investigate these claims.
In an interview for Reuters, Khan stood by the arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, former Israeli Security chief Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri last November, despite US congressional opposition to the ICC.
He emphasized that "Israel" had failed to meet the established legal standards for investigating allegations of war crimes in Gaza. He noted, “We haven't seen any real effort by the State of Israel to take action that would meet the established jurisprudence.”
Khan also expressed hope that "Israel" would eventually demonstrate its willingness to investigate. The ICC is seen as a court of last resort, stepping in when national courts fail to act.
The United States, "Israel’s" key ally, has rejected the ICC's jurisdiction and criticized the arrest warrants.
Following the passage of the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act" by the US House of Representatives, which called for sanctions against the ICC, Khan expressed concern.
He described these actions as "unwanted and unwelcome," emphasizing that the ICC was founded based on principles established after World War II, noting, "It is a matter that should make all people of conscience be concerned."
ICC prosecutor calls to reject Israeli objections to Netanyahu warrant
On Tuesday, Khan urged judges to dismiss Israeli objections to the ongoing investigation into the 15-month war on Gaza.
Khan submitted his formal response on Monday to the Israeli appeal regarding the court's jurisdiction, following the issuance of arrest warrants last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Security minister, accusing them of crimes against humanity related to the Israeli war.
Netanyahu, who is also facing corruption charges in "Israel", labeled the arrest warrant as "a black day in the history of nations" and vowed to contest the allegations.
Driving the news
While individuals cannot directly challenge an arrest warrant, "Israel" can object to the entire investigation. In its December filing, "Israel" argued that it should be allowed to investigate the allegations against its leaders internally, asserting that continuing the investigation would violate its sovereignty.
The ICC, established in 2002, is the permanent court for prosecuting individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression. The court’s 125 member states include Palestine, Ukraine, Canada, and the European Union, but several countries, including the US, Russia, and China, in addition to "Israel", do not accept its jurisdiction.
In his 55-page response, Khan emphasized that the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, grants the court authority to prosecute crimes committed in the territories of member states, regardless of where the perpetrators hail from.
A decision from the judges is expected in the coming months.
